USS Iowa (BB-61) Returns to Norfolk: A New Chapter Begins

On September 17, 1984, the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, assisted by tugs, marking a major milestone in the ship’s reactivation after years in the reserve fleet.

USS Iowa (BB-61): The Legend Returns

The first of the Iowa-class battleships, the USS Iowa was launched in 1942 and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. After being decommissioned in 1958, the ship was reactivated in the early 1980s as part of President Ronald Reagan’s “600-ship Navy” plan. The refit included the installation of modern weapons systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx CIWS close-in defense systems.

Journey to Norfolk

After completing training and exercises in the Caribbean and Central America, including gunnery and naval support exercises, USS Iowa transited the Panama Canal to return to the East Coast of the United States. On 17 September 1984, the ship docked at Norfolk, Virginia, assisted by large tugs such as PALATKA (YTB-801).

Historical Image
A striking photo captures the moment USS Iowa, assisted by tugs, docked at Norfolk on 17 September 1984. In the photo, the massive ship is carefully guided into port, with the tugs working in concert.

A Living Legacy

After being decommissioned for the last time in 1990, USS Iowa was restored and now serves as a floating museum in the Port of Los Angeles, California. Visitors can tour and learn about the ship’s rich history, from fierce battles to its role in the Cold War.